| The NAR is getting ready to release their 2007 | | | | starting to see a lot more built-in refrigerators at |
| Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences in | | | | the high end of the market. Also at the high end |
| about a month. For the REALTORS that don't | | | | are under counter wine cabinets, dual dishwashers, |
| subscribe to the NAR weekly newsletter, or | | | | and warming drawers. Stainless steel, while still in |
| those that are looking, here is the blurb: | | | | the higher end homes, they are also showing up in |
| Central air conditioning, walk-in closets, hardwood | | | | more entry level homes. This is another thing that |
| floors, high-end kitchen appliances, oversized | | | | sellers can do if they are going to renovate their |
| garages and patios were among the features | | | | kitchen or if appliances need to be replaced. |
| buyers said they would pay more for in a home, | | | | Oversized Garages - My specialty. But seriously, |
| according to NAR's soon-to-be-released 2007 | | | | most buyers are couples and have at least two |
| Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences. Due | | | | cars, they also have lawn equipment and hobby |
| out in early August, the report looks what buyers | | | | stuff like bikes and so forth that need to be |
| want, what they pay more for and what they | | | | stored somewhere. The traditional two car garage |
| end up with when the transaction is all said and | | | | is getting pretty cramped. Add in the number of |
| done. | | | | minivans and SUVs out there, and the fact that |
| I just thought I would take a moment and toss | | | | most people would prefer to park inside, and it |
| out my thoughts on these things. That should be | | | | isn't hard to see why bigger garages are moving |
| fun. Everyone wants MY opinion, right? | | | | into the mainstream. For auto enthusiasts, |
| Central Air - OK, here in Georgia, I think it is | | | | especially at the high end of the market, I'm |
| pretty rare to find a house without central air. I | | | | seeing more 5+ car garages than ever. |
| know there are some out there, but they aren't | | | | Patio Space - This is another thing that I really like |
| very plentiful. | | | | to see. Not only does the outside space need to |
| Walk-in Closets - I think we should be talking | | | | be there, but it needs to be livable. Regardless of |
| about walk-in closets in every bedroom. Most | | | | the price point, I am seeing the outdoor areas |
| houses built in the last few years have at least a | | | | treated more like a living space. Most people like |
| walk-in for the master bedroom. I'm starting to | | | | to grill out at least a couple times per year. If |
| see more homes, even mid-priced with walk in | | | | they have kids, they want to be able to enjoy |
| closets for several bedrooms. | | | | family time outside, and many people like to |
| Hardwood Floors - Always a favorite of mine. | | | | entertain. Since the outdoor space is usually |
| There are a lot of older homes with great | | | | considerably larger than most of the spaces |
| hardwoods, some even under carpet. Newer | | | | indoors, it only makes sense to have an |
| homes are also featuring more and more | | | | entertainment and family space outside. At the |
| hardwood floors. As the homes move toward the | | | | entry level, a simple table and chairs on a patio |
| higher end, I'm seeing more and more area | | | | may be enough to help a buyer "see themselves" |
| covered with hardwood. Luckily, this is also | | | | outside. At the higher end, I'm seeing more |
| something that a seller can do to their house to | | | | outdoor kitchens and more structured designs |
| help it sell more easily in the current market. | | | | including spas, pools, waterfalls and generous |
| High-end Kitchen Appliances - Another favorite of | | | | covered space. |
| mine. I am seeing a movement away from | | | | What do you think? If you are a buyer, what are |
| stainless steel, and towards slightly softer finishes | | | | you looking to find? |
| like pewter and graphite and stone gray. I am also | | | | |